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Grizzly Attack Near Bella Coola Injures 11, Including Children as Young as Nine

A grizzly bear attacked a school group near Bella Coola, British Columbia, injuring 11 people, including children as young as nine. Two victims are in critical condition and two more are seriously injured; seven required no hospital treatment. The incident occurred on a route known as the Old Trail and prompted the closure of the Nuxalk Nation’s school. The BC Conservation Officer Service is leading the investigation while the bear remained at large late Thursday.

01:54 AM, 11/22/2025Society
Grizzly Attack Near Bella Coola Injures 11, Including Children as Young as Nine

A grizzly bear attacked a school group Thursday afternoon in a remote area near Bella Coola, British Columbia, leaving 11 people injured, authorities said. Victims include children as young as nine, with two people reported in critical condition and two more seriously hurt.

Location and response
The encounter occurred in an area known locally as the Old Trail. Corporal Madonna Saunderson, regional spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said officials were still gathering details about what the group was doing immediately before the attack and whether anything provoked the bear.

Community impact
The Nuxalk First Nation reported that the incident affected its community and warned residents about an aggressive bear in the area. The Nuxalk Nation’s school, Acwsalcta, closed Friday “due to the bear incident.” Local officials urged people to stay indoors while the situation remained active.

Eyewitness account
Veronica Schooner said her son was part of the group but escaped uninjured. “He said that bear ran so close to him, but it was going after somebody else,” she said.

Injuries and investigation
The British Columbia Emergency Health Service reported 11 injured: two in critical condition, two with serious injuries, and seven who did not require hospitalization. It was not immediately clear whether any children were among those in critical condition. The BC Conservation Officer Service has taken over the investigation and was working to determine whether the bear had been located.

Authorities continue to advise caution in the area as conservation officers and local emergency services manage the response.

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Grizzly Attack Near Bella Coola Injures 11, Including Children as Young as Nine - CRBC News